BioShock Could Switch Developers

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2K Marin may be too busy with XCOM.

By Jim Reilly

Take-Two may end up switching BioShock developers yet again now that 2K Marin is currently hard at work on its newest upcoming title, XCOM.

During the company's 2010 second quarter financial call this afternoon, an analyst asked if the development of XCOM could hinder 2K Marin from working on future BioShock titles. Take-Two said that while it hasn't given up on the franchise, it could move it to another studio.

"We think BioShock is still one of the most important franchises in the industry," said Take-Two Chairman Strauss Zelnick. "We do intend to support it; doesn't necessarily have to be at 2K Marin, but we do intend to support the franchise."

"First and foremost, we're focused on downloadable content. We intend to continue to support BioShock 2 with further downloadable content," Zelnick added. "We think the franchise has a long life indeed."

During their call, the company noted the game was well received by the media and was profitable, but sales "slowed down sooner than we had expected." Last quarter, it was reportedBioShock 2 shipped 3 million copies. Take-Two did not provide an updated sales number.

The first BioShock title was developed by 2K Boston, which is headed by game designer Ken Levine. The studio recently switched its name back to Irrational Games.